Admittedly, it is not always easy to decipher whether or not a person who appears homeless is actually a person in need, or just a person who hustles for other purposes. Nonetheless, we should do what our hearts dictate, and not be dissuaded by what someone might do with our good intentions.

A simple meal is a heartfelt gesture. To clear your conscious of "What if they don't spend the money on food?", you can go the extra step and buy meal certificates to feed the homeless.

Fast food establishments such as McDonald's, Burger King, Subway, Pizza Hut, and Dunkin Donuts, among others, all sell gift certificates, and some start at as little as $1. The next time you patronize one of these establishments, or if you are just going passed one, stop in and purchase some gift certificates, in the amount that you can afford.

Then, the next time you see a homeless person on the street, hand them a food gift certificate. It will do your heart good.